The Importance of Micronutrients in the Diet

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Recommended: Features of fat soluble vitamins

The human body requires small amounts of nutrients in microgram or milligram quantities in our diet because it cannot synthesize the necessary amounts on its own. These nutrients are considered micronutrients. Micronutrients are a combination of water, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamins are organic compounds that do not provide energy, but are essential to the body in helping “aid in metabolism, as well as the growth, development and maintenance of body tissues” (Byrd-Bredbenner, Moe and Beshgetoor 402). Vitamins are broken down into two groups, water-soluble and fat-soluble. The water-soluble vitamins are the B-vitamins, and vitamin C. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. Minerals are needed in even smaller amounts, however these inorganic substances are necessary for “cell metabolism, nerve impulse transmission and growth and development” (Byrd-Bredbenner, Moe and Beshgetoor 485). Minerals can be categorized into major or trace minerals. The major minerals include Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Sulfur. Trace minerals are Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iodine, Selenium, Chromium, Fluoride, Molybdenum and Ultratrace minerals.
Analyzing my 3-day food record reveals an interesting perspective into the needs of a pregnant women. Most pregnant women, like myself, follow the doctor’s recommendation and take prenatal supplements to provide the most nutritious environment for the baby to grow in. However, this does not mean one can eat whatever they want because supplements are just that supplements, they do not replace actual food. At the same time, toxicity can occur.
The only vitamin I was deficient in was vitamin D. I consumed 72% (10.76 mcg) of my daily recommended intake or DRI. Non-pregn...

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...ing and diarrhea.
The 3-day food record allowed me to take a closer look at what I was putting in my body. Since the project, I have been more vigilant in what I ultimately feed myself and the baby. I have taken to drinking more water and started juicing in addition to a more natural diet and no fast-food. I am not aware of any limitations in my findings of my diet analysis. I am aware that as far as micronutrients are concerned, it is very important to keep a keen eye on your intake. More is not always better, and supplements can cause harm if not careful. With that being said, supplements do not always supply the necessary minerals in one’s diet either. Ultimately, actual food sources are a better way to regulate proper micronutrient intake.

Works Cited

Byrd-Bredbenner, Carol, et al. Wardlaw's Perspectives in Nutrition. 9th. McGraw-Hill Education, 2013. Book.

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